--- title: "Maple Leafs, Blues chase Sharks’ No. 2 pick as Bo Byram looms large" description: "Toronto and St. Louis are making aggressive moves for San Jose’s draft asset while the Sharks eye a top defenseman prospect—all before next summer’s big board reshuffle." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sjhn-daily-maple-leafs-blues-want-no-2-pick-dev-camp-sc-af095a77 published: 2026-06-29T22:17:20.901+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T22:17:20.901+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Maple Leafs, Blues chase Sharks’ No. 2 pick as Bo Byram looms large > Toronto and St. Louis are making aggressive moves for San Jose’s draft asset while the Sharks eye a top defenseman prospect—all before next summer’s big board reshuffle. The Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues have both approached the San Jose Sharks about acquiring the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Toronto is packaging existing assets to bolster its roster, while St. Louis is leveraging its recent surplus of first-round selections to swing the deal. San Jose GM Mike Grier called a potential offer “real interesting,” but the Sharks’ front office appears more focused on adding a top-tier defenseman like Bo Byram. The Sharks’ development camp in San Jose runs from June 10–14, a showcase for prospects including Ivar Stenberg, Otto Stenberg, and William Eklund. The club also re-signed winger Ethan Cardwell to a new contract, signaling stability ahead of the draft cycle. Meanwhile, league-wide trade chatter has intensified, with teams positioning for both the 2026 draft and the upcoming free-agency period. The Sharks’ draft position—currently No. 2—gives them leverage, but the decision hinges on whether the return from Toronto or St. Louis outweighs the long-term upside of a player like Byram. Grier’s comments underscore San Jose’s balancing act: maximize the value of its draft capital or address an immediate defensive need. The Maple Leafs’ pursuit is part of a broader strategy to accelerate their championship timeline, while St. Louis aims to reload after a deep postseason run. For San Jose, the calculus is about asset optimization versus roster construction, a theme that will define the franchise’s next chapter. The Sharks’ recent struggles—missing the playoffs in five of the last six seasons—add pressure to make a move that could reset their trajectory. Historically, trading a top-two pick for an established player has yielded mixed results. The 2019 Devils’ acquisition of P.K. Subban via draft capital flopped, while the 2020 Senators’ move for Alex DeBrincat paid dividends. San Jose’s decision will likely hinge on whether Byram’s projected impact surpasses the risk of passing on a high-ceiling forward like projected No. 2 pick Matvei Michkov. The 2026 draft class is widely considered top-heavy, with Michkov and Byram as the consensus elite talents. If San Jose retains the pick, they face the rare opportunity to land a franchise-altering player. However, the allure of pairing Byram with existing defensive prospects like Artemi Knyazev could tilt the scales toward a trade, especially if Toronto or St. Louis sweetens the offer with additional picks or NHL-ready talent. The Sharks’ defensive corps ranks among the league’s weakest, with a minus-36 goal differential last season, the second-worst in the NHL. Addressing that gap with a proven prospect like Byram could outweigh the uncertainty of drafting Michkov. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are operating from a position of strength. With a core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander already in place, adding another top prospect would further tighten their window to win now. St. Louis, fresh off a Western Conference Final appearance, is in a similar spot—cap space and draft capital to burn, but a roster that needs a jolt of elite talent to take the next step. San Jose’s dilemma reflects a broader trend in the NHL: teams with mid-tier picks are increasingly forced to choose between immediate impact and long-term potential. The Sharks’ situation is amplified by their aging core and the need to infuse youth into the lineup. A trade for Byram could signal a shift toward a rebuild, while retaining the pick would double down on a high-risk, high-reward strategy. What’s next: The Sharks are expected to engage in further discussions with Toronto and St. Louis over the coming weeks, with a decision likely before the draft in late June 2026. The outcome will reverberate through the 2026 draft board and shape the next wave of Cup contenders. If San Jose trades the pick, expect a flurry of secondary moves as teams jockey for position in the mid-to-late first round. If they hold, the Sharks will enter draft weekend with one of the most scrutinized selections in franchise history. ## Why this matters The No. 2 pick isn’t just a name on a draft card—it’s a franchise cornerstone. Toronto and St. Louis see it as a shortcut to contention, while San Jose’s hesitation reflects a broader dilemma: cash in now for a premium asset or build around a proven blueline talent like Bo Byram. The outcome will ripple through the 2026 draft board and shape the next wave of Cup contenders. For San Jose, the decision could mark the difference between a rebuild and a last-gasp push for relevance. ## Frequently asked ### Why are the Maple Leafs and Blues targeting the Sharks’ No. 2 pick? Both teams view the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft as a shortcut to roster improvement. Toronto is packaging existing assets to add a premium prospect, while St. Louis is leveraging its recent first-round haul to swing the deal. ### Who is Bo Byram and why does San Jose want him? Bo Byram is a top defenseman prospect eligible for the 2026 draft. The Sharks are prioritizing him as a potential long-term solution on the blueline, which could influence their decision to trade the No. 2 pick. ### When is San Jose’s development camp and who’s attending? San Jose’s development camp runs from June 10–14 in San Jose. Prospects like Ivar Stenberg, Otto Stenberg, and William Eklund are expected to participate, along with other organizational talent. ### What did Mike Grier say about the Sharks’ draft approach? Grier called a potential offer for the No. 2 pick “real interesting,” but emphasized the Sharks’ focus on adding a high-end defenseman like Bo Byram rather than just maximizing draft capital. ### How does Ethan Cardwell factor into San Jose’s plans? Cardwell, a winger, recently re-signed with the Sharks, indicating the club’s commitment to building around core players while evaluating trade offers for its draft assets. ### What’s the broader context of this trade chatter? The Sharks’ situation is part of a league-wide wave of trade activity ahead of the 2026 draft and free agency. Teams are positioning to address both short-term needs and long-term roster construction. ## Sources & Citations - [SJHN Daily: Maple Leafs & Blues Want No. 2 Pick, Dev Camp Schedule Out, Cardwell Re-Signs - San Jose Hockey Now](https://sanjosehockeynow.com/san-jose-sharks-toronto-maple-leafs-st-louis-blues-stenberg/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-26) --- Cite: Maple Leafs, Blues chase Sharks’ No. 2 pick as Bo Byram looms large. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sjhn-daily-maple-leafs-blues-want-no-2-pick-dev-camp-sc-af095a77